News and Events
Legislature approves $51.7 million Heritage Center expansion project in historic May 2 vote
Posted 12/14/09 (Mon)
Separate votes by the North Dakota House and Senate on Saturday, May 2, 2009 during the final hours of the 61st legislative session approved the $51.7 million expansion project for the North Dakota Heritage Center. The votes were 70-19 in the House and 45-1 in the Senate.
The legislation, H.B. 1481, has been in a House-Senate conference committee for the past several weeks to work out differences between the two chambers. The House approved the bill by a 57-35 vote on February 19, and the Senate approved its version of the legislation by a 43-03 vote on April 7.
The bill appropriates $39.7 million in state funds to double the size of the Heritage Center, with $12 million to come from private and other donations. The legislation requires that at least $6 million in private funds be in hand before the project can go ahead.
Supporters of the Heritage Center expansion worked tirelessly before and during this legislative session contacting their legislators and attending hearings to ensure the passage of the bill.
View images of the Heritage Center prior to the expansion